Ebbsfleet United have today announced a new and groundbreaking shirt-sleeve sponsorship with Australian company Salt & Sage.

Our new partners are a fashion brand making strong moves in the UK and European market who produce period-proof swimwear that helps to tackle issues that females face every day. The club is excited to be part of a platform tackling taboos, educating and supporting innovative ideas to normalise language around periods and take the anxiety and concerns away from women and girls whether swimming, exercising, socialising or, of course, playing football. 

From the beach to the football field, unnoticed effects that limit girls partaking in sport include physical and psychological impacts – indeed nearly eight in 10 teenage girls avoid taking part while on their period, with seven in 10 avoiding activity altogether.

We want to break down the barriers around periods and assist girls in sport and generally to have the opportunity to enjoy the comfort and self-assuredness they demand and deserve.

Alongside the Lionesses and clubs like West Bromwich Albion and Swansea City, the Fleet have changed the traditional colour of our white shorts to blue due to concerns about players having to wear lighter colours while on their periods. That is just one such area of support and Salt & Sage recognise this in other areas too with their range of swimwear.

Women and girls shouldn’t feel like they’re fighting battles just to take part in activities they enjoy and excel at. They shouldn’t feel a pressure about their cycles and be put at disadvantages because of that but instead be able to focus on their games and their training.

Ebbsfleet United recognises this and we are proud to give our players support on the pitch and a powerful voice off it.

Salt & Safe founder Trudey Bailey said, “I’m elated that Salt & Sage Period-Proof Swimwear’s logo will be displayed on a respected club like Ebbsfleet United’s shirts this year. The partnership marks a significant step forward and sends a powerful message in our mission to normalise conversations about periods and to empower young teens. Our swimwear is designed to provide comfort, confidence, and freedom, ensuring that young girls can fully participate in activities they love without worry. This collaboration with the Fleet reinforces our commitment to supporting and empowering the next generation. By promoting our brand in such a visible way, we aim to break down barriers and encourage open dialogue about menstruation.”

Fleet CEO Damian Irvine added, “We’re really excited to welcome Salt & Sage as a club partner. It’s a very talented fashion brand making headway into the UK and European market. Their ethos of embracing and promoting periods as a natural part of life, rather than stigmatising them, is strong and empowering and something we are keen to help embrace club-wide in complete support of our women’s and girls team – footballers and supporters, our mums, sisters and daughters.

“If this partnership helps any members of our club and family enjoy summer or days out with more confidence or to normalise awareness and discussion around periods then it’s already a huge success.

“We always make a point of our club’s inclusivity because that is so important in making all current and potential future players and fans at all levels feel welcome in an environment where they can enjoy partaking in playing and/or watching their team. That’s massive for us and this link-up with Salt & Sage is a brilliant development to shine a light on areas where most sports clubs don’t go. Furthermore, we provide sanitary items in our bathrooms at the club to contribute to eliminating period poverty. And now, in addition with Salt & Sage on board and on the sleeves of both men’s and women’s first-team players this season, we are sending a powerful message.”

Men’s first-team players Dominic Samuel and Lewis Page joined in alongside the women’s team at training to launch Salt & Sage’s sponsorship. Dom Samuel said, “We’re really pleased to stand alongside our women and youth players and represent Salt & Sage. It’s a great concept and idea and gets everyone involved in a conversation around something that nobody should feel embarrassed about.”

Lewis Page added, “It’s not a subject that crops up in football usually but for any player or supporter with daughters or partners wanting to play or be involved in sport, it’s important that men as well as women normalise and support them and it’s great that the club and a company like Salt & Sage are together to accommodate this.”